Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi (left) was pictured with Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian,
moments before the helicopter crash near the border with Azerbaijan

Tehran, May 19 (RHC)--  Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian were on board a helicopter that suffered a “hard landing” in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, says Iranian state media.

Adverse weather conditions, including heavy fog, are hampering rescue efforts and the helicopter is still missing.

Iran’s Fars News Agency calls on Iranians to pray for President Raisi.

Government news website IRNA said the president’s helicopter is believed to have crashed in the Dizmar Protected Area, a forested and mountainous zone.

There is no confirmation on what type of helicopter was carrying the president and his team.

Iran operates a variety of helicopters, but decades of sanctions have made it difficult to purchase new aircraft or obtain parts.